# US 12,000,597 B2 · Systems and methods for the adjustment of toe kick plates > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,000,597 B2 - Document ID: US12000597B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/592,625 - Filed: 2022-02-04 - Published: 2023-08-10 - Granted: 2024-06-04 - Earliest claimed: 2022-02-04 - Assignees: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. - Applicants: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. - Inventors: Scott Edward Roales; Eric Dean Lively - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12000597B2 ## CPC - F24C 15/36: Protective guards, e.g. for preventing access to heated parts - F24C 15/06: Ornamental features, e.g. grate fronts or surrounds - F24C 15/08: Foundations or supports plates; Legs or pillars; Casings; Wheels (tops, e.g. hot plates F24C15/10) - F24C: DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES (exclusively for solid fuels F24B); DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION ## Abstract A toe kick plate system includes a fixed plate configured to affix to an appliance, and the fixed plate includes a plurality of threaded inserts. A plurality of plate brackets are each threaded to a respective one of the plurality of threaded inserts of the fixed plate. The plurality of plate brackets are attached such that a gap formed between the fixed plate and the plurality of plate brackets are selectively adjustable by rotating the respective one of the plurality of plate brackets. A toe kick plate may be removably connected to the ends of the plurality of plate brackets. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A toe kick plate system, comprising: a fixed plate configured to affix to an appliance, the fixed plate comprises a plurality of threaded inserts; a plurality of plate brackets each threaded to a respective one of the plurality of threaded inserts of the fixed plate, the plurality of plate brackets configured such that a gap between a distal end of a respective one of the plurality of plate brackets and the fixed plate is selectively adjustable by rotating each of the plurality of plate brackets relative to the fixed plate; and a toe kick plate removably connected to the distal ends of the plurality of plate brackets, wherein the plate brackets comprise an inset portion for a head of a threaded post to sit either below or flush with a surface on a first side of the plate brackets, and wherein the threaded post comprises a retaining ring force fit to the threaded post on a second side of the plate brackets opposite the first side of the plate brackets. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The toe kick plate system of claim 1, wherein the threaded inserts comprise one or more of a rivet nut and a welded nut. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The toe kick plate system of claim 1, wherein the threaded inserts are punched by one of a thread form tool and an extruded hole punch. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The toe kick plate system of claim 1, wherein the threaded post comprises one or more of a bolt, and a screw. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The toe kick plate system of claim 1, further comprising a fastening system for removably connecting the toe kick plate to the plate brackets, the fastening system comprising one of magnets, hook and loop fasteners, and adhesive. ### Claim 6 A method for adjusting a toe kick plate, the toe kick plate comprising a plurality of plate brackets, the plate brackets comprising an inset portion for a head of a threaded post to sit either below or flush with a surface on a first side of the plate brackets, and wherein the threaded post comprises a retaining ring force fit to the threaded post on a second side of the plate brackets opposite the first side of the plate brackets, the method comprising: rotating each of a plurality of plate brackets, each threaded to a respective one of a plurality of threaded inserts on a fixed plate, the plurality of plate brackets configured such that a gap between a distal end of a respective one of the plurality of plate brackets and the fixed plate is selectively adjustable; and fastening a toe kick plate to the distal ends of the plurality of plate brackets. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the threaded inserts comprise one or more of a rivet nut and a welded nut. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the threaded inserts are punched by one of a thread form tool and an extruded hole punch. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the threaded post comprises one or more of a bolt, and a screw. ### Claim 10 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, further comprising a fastening system for removably connecting the toe kick plate to the plate brackets, the fastening system comprising one of magnets, hook and loop fasteners, and adhesive. ### Claim 11 An appliance, comprising: a cabinet; and a toe kick plate system positioned at a bottom portion of the cabinet, the toe kick plate system comprising, a fixed plate affixed to the cabinet appliance, the fixed plate comprising a plurality of threaded inserts, a plurality of plate brackets each threaded to a respective one of the plurality of threaded inserts of the fixed plate, the plurality of plate brackets configured such that a gap between a distal end of a respective one of the plurality of plate brackets and the fixed plate is selectively adjustable by rotating each of the plurality of plate brackets relative to the fixed plate, and a toe kick plate removably connected to the distal ends of the plurality of plate brackets, wherein the plate brackets comprise an inset portion for a head of a threaded post to sit either below or flush with a surface on a first side of the plate brackets, and wherein the threaded post comprises a retaining ring force fit to the threaded post on a second side of the plate brackets opposite the first side of the plate brackets. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The appliance of claim 11, wherein the threaded inserts comprise one or more of a rivet nut and a welded nut. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The appliance of claim 11, wherein the plate brackets comprise an inset portion for a head of a threaded post to sit either below or flush with a surface of the plate brackets and prevent rotation of the threaded post while adjusting the plate brackets. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The appliance of claim 13, wherein the threaded post comprises one or more of a bolt, and a screw. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The appliance of claim 11, wherein the threaded inserts are punched by one of a thread form tool and an extruded hole punch. ### Claim 16 (depends on 11) The appliance of claim 11, further comprising a fastening system for removably connecting the toe kick plate to the plate brackets, the fastening system comprising one of magnets, hook and loop fasteners, and adhesive.